Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains Camp is a luxury safari camp located in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of the Maasai Mara.
The camp is known for its prime location, situated on a private conservancy within the Maasai Mara ecosystem. This means that guests have access to both the conservancy and the national reserve, providing ample opportunities for game drives and wildlife encounters.
Accommodation at Mara Plains Camp consists of seven spacious and well-appointed tents, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Each tent features comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, and a private veranda where guests can relax and enjoy the views.
The camp offers a range of activities to explore the Maasai Mara, including game drives led by knowledgeable guides, bush walks to discover the smaller wonders of the savannah, and even night drives to witness nocturnal wildlife. Balloon safaris can also be arranged for a unique perspective of the Mara’s expansive landscapes.
In addition to the exceptional wildlife experiences, Mara Plains Camp is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. It actively supports local communities and conservation initiatives, ensuring that the ecosystem and the Maasai culture are protected for future generations.
Facilities in Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains Camp offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for its guests. While specific details may vary, here are some common facilities typically provided at luxury safari camps like Mara Plains:
Tented Accommodation
Mara Plains Camp features spacious and well-appointed tents with comfortable beds, high-quality linens, and en-suite bathrooms. The tents are designed to provide a blend of luxury and an authentic bush experience. Mara Plains Camp offers luxurious tented accommodation that combines the comforts of a hotel room with an authentic bush experience. Here are some details about the tented accommodation at Mara Plains:
Spacious Tents: The tents at Mara Plains are typically spacious and designed to provide ample room for relaxation and comfort. They are often elevated on wooden platforms, allowing for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
En-suite Facilities: Each tent usually features a private en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, and showers. Some tents may even have freestanding bathtubs, providing a luxurious bathing experience.
Comfortable Bedding: The tents are furnished with comfortable beds, often with high-quality linens, pillows, and duvets. Mosquito netting is commonly provided to ensure a peaceful and undisturbed sleep.
Veranda or Deck: Many tents have a private veranda or deck where guests can relax and enjoy the breath taking views. It’s a great spot to observe wildlife or simply unwind amidst the sounds of nature.
Furnishings and Amenities: The tents are typically tastefully furnished, incorporating elements of both luxury and safari-style decor. Amenities may include a writing desk, seating area, luggage racks, and storage space for personal belongings.
Lighting and Power: The tents are usually equipped with lighting, either through electricity or solar power. Some camps may provide charging facilities for electronic devices within the tent or in a designated area.
Privacy: Despite being in a tented accommodation, privacy is generally well-maintained. The tents are positioned to ensure sufficient distance and privacy between them, allowing guests to enjoy a serene and exclusive experience.
It’s worth noting that the specific details and amenities of the tented accommodation at Mara Plains Camp may vary, and it’s advisable to check with the camp directly or their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Dining
The camp usually has a central dining area where guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared by talented chefs. The cuisine often combines international flavours with local African dishes, providing a diverse dining experience. Dietary restrictions and preferences are typically accommodated with advance notice.
Lounge and Bar
A comfortable lounge area is usually available, providing a place for guests to relax, socialize, or read a book. The bar offers a selection of beverages, including a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Outdoor Areas
Mara Plains Camp often has outdoor spaces where guests can unwind and take in the stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. This may include a campfire area, a sun deck, or a lounge with panoramic vistas.
Mara Plains Camp typically offers various outdoor areas where guests can enjoy the natural surroundings and relax. Here are some common outdoor areas you may find at the camp:
Campfire Area: Many safari camps, including Mara Plains, have a designated campfire area where guests can gather around a crackling fire in the evenings. This is a popular spot for storytelling, sharing safari experiences, and enjoying drinks under the starry African sky.
Sun Deck or Lounge: Some camps have a sun deck or lounge area where guests can soak up the sun, read a book, or simply take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This outdoor space provides a comfortable and tranquil setting for relaxation.
Dining Terrace: Depending on the camp’s layout, there may be a dining terrace where guests can enjoy meals in an open-air setting. This allows for an immersive dining experience while being surrounded by nature.
Wildlife Viewing Areas: Given the incredible wildlife of the Maasai Mara, camps like Mara Plains often have outdoor areas where guests can observe animals from a safe distance. This can include elevated platforms or viewing decks strategically positioned to overlook nearby watering holes or game trails.
Walking Trails: Some camps offer guided walking trails within their private conservancies. These trails allow guests to explore the wilderness on foot, accompanied by experienced guides who provide insights into the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the area.
Private Verandas: Each tent at Mara Plains usually has its own private veranda or deck where guests can relax and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. It’s a perfect place to unwind, observe wildlife passing by, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the Maasai Mara.
These outdoor areas provide opportunities for guests to connect with nature, immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes, and appreciate the unique experiences that come with staying in a safari camp.
Remember, the availability and specific outdoor areas may vary based on the camp’s design and layout. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the outdoor areas at Mara Plains Camp, it’s best to check directly with the camp or refer to their official website.
Curio Shop
Some camps have a curio shop where guests can browse and purchase locally made crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and other items as mementos of their safari experience.
Mara Plains Camp often features a curio shop where guests can browse and purchase a variety of locally made crafts, souvenirs, and other items. A curio shop is a common feature in many safari camps and lodges, offering guests the opportunity to take home unique mementos of their African safari experience. Here’s what you can typically expect from a curio shop:
Handcrafted Souvenirs: The curio shop usually offers a range of handcrafted souvenirs, such as wooden carvings, beaded jewellery, traditional Maasai crafts, paintings, sculptures, and textiles. These items are often made by local artisans, supporting the local community and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Safari Essentials: The curio shop may also stock essential items for your safari adventure, including hats, caps, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, guidebooks, and camera accessories. These items can be convenient if you need any last-minute supplies or forgot to pack something essential.
Clothing and Accessories: Some curio shops may have a selection of safari-themed clothing, including t-shirts, hats, scarves, and safari jackets. These items often feature wildlife motifs, African patterns, or the camp’s logo.
Home Decor and Artwork: You might find a collection of African-inspired home decor items such as tribal masks, handwoven baskets, traditional pottery, or beautiful artwork depicting wildlife and landscapes. These items can add a touch of safari flair to your home.
Local Food Products: Depending on the camp, the curio shop may offer local food products like coffee, tea, spices, and jams. These products make great gifts or souvenirs to bring back home and enjoy a taste of Kenya.
The curio shop provides an opportunity to support local artisans and bring home meaningful reminders of your time in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Prices can vary depending on the item’s quality, craftsmanship, and uniqueness. It’s worth noting that availability and specific offerings in the curio shop may vary, so it’s best to check with Mara Plains Camp directly or refer to their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Charging Facilities
Given the remote location, camps like Mara Plains often provide charging facilities for cameras, phones, and other electronic devices. These may be available in the guest tents or a designated charging area.
Laundry Service
Many camps offer a complimentary laundry service to ensure guests have clean clothes throughout their stay. Laundry is typically collected from the tents and returned within a reasonable timeframe.
Wi-Fi
While connectivity can be limited in remote safari camps, some establishments provide limited Wi-Fi access in common areas for guests to stay connected with the outside world if necessary. However, it’s important to note that the primary focus is usually on the safari experience and disconnecting from technology.
It’s advisable to check with Mara Plains Camp directly or their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the specific facilities they offer, as they may vary depending on the camp’s design and amenities.
Activities to do at Mara Plains Camp
Mara Plains Camp offers a range of activities to enhance your safari experience in the Maasai Mara. Here are some common activities you can enjoy during your stay:
Game Drives
Game drives are the quintessential safari activity, and Mara Plains Camp provides opportunities for both day and night drives. Led by experienced guides, these excursions take you through the Maasai Mara National Reserve or the private conservancy, where you can encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, and more.
Bush Walks
Guided bush walks offer a different perspective on the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you can explore the smaller details of the savannah, learn about the native flora and fauna, and appreciate the intricacies of the natural environment.
Balloon Safaris
For a unique and breath-taking experience, you can embark on a hot air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara. This activity allows you to witness the vast landscapes and wildlife from a different vantage point, as the balloon gently drifts above the plains. Balloon safaris usually take place early in the morning, offering a chance to witness the sunrise over the Mara.
Cultural Visits
Get a glimpse into the local Maasai culture through visits to nearby Maasai villages. Interact with the Maasai people, learn about their traditional way of life, observe their customs and traditions, and perhaps participate in cultural activities like traditional dances or crafts.
Photography Safaris
The Maasai Mara is a paradise for wildlife photography enthusiasts. With its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, the camp provides opportunities for specialized photography safaris. You can go on dedicated game drives or walks with professional photographers who offer guidance and tips to capture the best shots.
Birdwatching
The Maasai Mara is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. You can embark on birdwatching walks or incorporate birdwatching into your game drives to spot and identify a diverse array of birdlife, including raptors, water birds, and migratory species.
